As Beaman followed Leatherneck to the platform, Lee couldn't help but notice the smile on his face. The man looked like he was ascending toward heaven. However, when he reached the platform, Francine sent him a look that suggested the opposite.

Lee defended him. "Come now, Francine, Beaman deserves to see if this project was worth it. Kidnapping of a certain federal agent aside, I'm betting it's going to serve a good purpose."

"Thanks, Scarecrow." Ephraim smiled.

"Is everything set up?"

"Munitions, meds and amended mechanisms all are in place. Now all we need is 'Manda." Leatherneck stated.

"When Amanda and I revealed our marriage to The Agency, we did not give anyone carte blanche with the information about our personal relationship. For Amanda's sake I'm trying to stay in control. However, I have very little patience left." Lee gritted his teeth, shook his head and the finger which were pointed at Leatherneck. "I get this way when I have been without my wife, my 'Manda. That's my endearment. You don't get to say that."

Francine looked from one man to the other. "Gentlemen, please. What kind of munitions are we talking about? It's my understanding that we removed Station One's stockpile earlier today."

"That boy's backpack carried some low level liquid explosive, but in a small quantity. We have some of it rigged to blow, which will cause enough of a commotion to alert the men in the mess hall. Do you want to do the honors, Stetson?" Leatherneck held out a remote device.

Lee declined to take the remote control that Leatherneck produced. "The drug that you laced the chili with was a time released sedative?"

"Yes, and their joints should have stiffened up."

"Okay. We know that the area below us is a neutral zone. The mess hall and surrounding areas are active. Is everyone ready? Charlie team? Stand ready to apprehend."

"Roger, Scarecrow."

"On my mark. Go!"

Leatherneck activated the remote. A trash barrel ignited into a full blaze. Beaman hit the switch on another remote control as the occupants exited the mess tent. Most walked with a measured pace because of the sedative. Some were dazed and others were astounded to find themselves standing within dozens of grids of red beams at varying heights. In their confused state most stood still, wrongly assuming that they were trapped within the confines of the beams.

Loving the element of surprise, Lee, Francine and Ephraim descended down the line and apprehended those who were lured to the outer limits. Several agents approached and assisted the others with little resistance. Leatherneck aimed a large fire extinguisher at the fire and doused it quickly.

The senior agents released their prisoners to others that awaited them. Amanda and Billy walked up to Lee who put an arm around each one of them.

"Did you see that?" Beaman boasted. "At the time of their invention in 1960, lasers were called 'a solution looking for a problem.' Since then, they've become ubiquitous, finding utility in thousands of highly varied applications in every section of modern society."

"Congratulations, Ephraim!" Amanda smiled.

"You know what this means, don't you?" Lee asked.

"You might have to change your code name. To Beam them up Beaman." Francine added.

Lee flashed his dimples. "No, I kinda liked Beaming Beaman better."

"You were paying attention on the ride here. You are a sly devil." Francine chuckled.

Everyone shared a laugh. It was a comic relief for those who had to expend nervous energy and a grand gesture as the team, but also two of whom in particular, were reunited.